Potato Chip Sales Soar

Potato chip sales continue to soar, according to the Snack Food Association “state of the industry” report.

“Consumers are demanding more foods they can eat on-the-go, which is the main reason for the steady growth in snack sales,” SFA’s President James A. McCarthy, said.

The strongest U.S. snack sales growth in 2001 came from meat snacks at15.6 percent. This was followed by potato chips at 7 percent.

America’s favorite snack—potato chips—achieved $6.04 billion in sales for 2001, or 1.85 billion pounds. The 3 percent increase in pounds sold between 2000 and 2001 is due to new innovative flavors. Some of the chips flavors introduced were grilled steak and onion, salt and pepper, blue cheese, cheddar and mesquite, and butter.